With so many pretty trails in Southern California, how does one decide which one to take? If you enjoy botanic gardens in a serene setting where you can hike the whole area in a little over an hour, then this hidden gem may be the perfect trail for you. Take a look at this slice of paradise as it sure looks like the perfect way to get outside and get some fresh air.

Tucked inside the campus of University of California Riverside, you’ll find a magical trail that’s perfect for exploring – the UCR Botanic Garden Trail.

googlemaps/stanley yang

googlemaps/Des’ree Valenzuela You can find the UCR Botanical Garden Trail at 1 Botanic Gardens Drive in Riverside, CA.

Although you’d never expect to find more than 40 acres of lush land and colorful gardens hiding within the campus, you’ll sure be glad to discover this slice of paradise once you see it with your own eyes.

googlemaps/Des’ree Velenzuela

Within the garden, you’ll find over 3,500 different plant species along with a variety of wildlife including several hundred different types of birds.

all trails/rox garcia

Not only is this trail beautiful and packed with stunning scenery, but it’s also fairly short and sweet.

googlemaps/victor parra The entire loop is a little over 2 miles long, so it’s the perfect way to get outside for some fresh air for a quick and easy hike.

Make sure to plan your day accordingly as the gardens close at 5pm.

googlemaps/victor parra

As you explore this setting, you’ll discover vibrant colors that are positively delightful. Especially in early spring when the wildflowers are blooming.

googlemaps/connor sousa

In addition to wildflowers in the spring, you’ll also enjoy a variety of lush plants, desert succulents, and colorful flowers throughout the year as this garden is open all year long.

googlemaps/zisheng zang

googlemaps/cody owens

With so many things to see along the trail, you’ll want to make sure to bring along your camera. You never know when that perfect shot of a butterfly will make an appearance.

flickr/mathew mendoza

tripadvisor/flyboymic

If you need a rest along the trail or just a break to stop and enjoy the surroundings, you’ll find plenty of benches where you can stop and soak up the scenery.

flickr/mathew mendoza

The UCR Botanic Garden Trail may be a bit of a local secret, but it’s definitely one hidden gem worth sharing.

tripadvisor/garethere

What a beautiful SoCal trail! Did you have any idea there was a botanical garden hiding inside this university campus? If you enjoy discovering new trails, make sure to check out these five trails in Southern California that everyone should experience at least once.

googlemaps/stanley yang

googlemaps/Des’ree Valenzuela

You can find the UCR Botanical Garden Trail at 1 Botanic Gardens Drive in Riverside, CA.

googlemaps/Des’ree Velenzuela

all trails/rox garcia

googlemaps/victor parra

The entire loop is a little over 2 miles long, so it’s the perfect way to get outside for some fresh air for a quick and easy hike.

googlemaps/connor sousa

googlemaps/zisheng zang

googlemaps/cody owens

flickr/mathew mendoza

tripadvisor/flyboymic

tripadvisor/garethere

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